Mr Stuart's Success Point Stuart, Northern Territory, Australia
By Whheels on 21-Jan-18. Waypoint GA11346

Stuart's Memorial Cairn

CAUTION!

GZ is in a pretty remote spot. For about half the year, through the Wet Seaon and into the early Dry, you can't get to it. OK, with really special equipment like a hot air balloon or a sky hook or a helicopter you could, but I'm assuming you'll wait for the Dry to get established, the roads to open, the Rangers to open the Park and then drive in. I then expect you to drive carefully  in a 4wd as far as you can, put on sunscreen, a hat, and make sure you have 2 litres of water for each of your party for each of the hours you expect it to take you to  walk to GZ, about 6 kiolmetres return, most of it in full sun. You will also need decent shoes. The ground is rough, and there are ants around which will love to get to your toes if you try sandals. Don't even think about thongs or bare feet!

And if there is water about, there could be crocodiles too!

And I asume you will get the information sheet for Point Stuart Coast Reserve operated by the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT before you head in. An internet search will turn it up for you.

John McDouall Stuart

In 1861 and 1862, John McDouall Stuart successfully crossed Australia from South to North, from Adelaide to the Arafura Sea, and returned. Stuart and his party were certainly the worse for wear, but they got home.

As a result of his success, 21 January 1863 was a Public Holiday in Adelaide to welcome him home. On the same day in Melbourne, Burke and Wills received a state funeral.

A cairn and plaque at GZ marks the spot where Stuart, on 24 July 1862, had his initials cut into a tree to mark his party reaching the North Coast of Australia from Adelaide on the South Coast. The plaque notes that the tree has perisihed, burnt in a fire in 1902. Some doubted that he actually made the journey, but  to confirm the truth of his claim, the tree was found in 1883 and photographed in 1885  before its demise.

At time of publication

• The reserve is only open in the Dry Season, usually between June and October.
• The last 2.5 kilometres have to be walked - there is no vehicle access to GZ. The walk is on flat, uneven, exposed ground. 
• The last 40 odd kilometres of vehicle track are narrow 4wd.

To claim a find for this cache, please put a photo of yourself and/or your GPS with the cairn and plaque, into the gallery along with a few words about being there.

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